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Hello beauties!

As a beauty blogger, I test lots of skincare products. Since facial oils are the rage right now, they are the products I test the most. Although they’re beneficial to my dry skin, testing facial oils can be a wary task. I’d say they are the most challenging to test because results are not necessarily instant and depending on one’s skin, it takes awhile before we see changes or improvements.

I was expecting the status quo when I started to test UK-based Holistic Green Beauty‘s Orchid Cellular Protection oil, but I was rather surprised… Read on to find out more.

Credits: GlowArabesque

The team behind Holistic Green Beauty (HGB)

Like many of us, founders/creators Danny Stokes and Scott Bentley have been through their share of skin issues. They took it upon themselves to research in the hopes of finding cures to their ailments, in doing so, they have succeeded at creating a stellar luxurious all natural skincare brand. I used to read their blog, as I thought it was very informative, so when I heard of the skincare launch, I was intrigued and definitely wanted to support. As soon as I got my package and had the products in my hand, I knew these guys meant business! I love the black and golden label, it gives the brand an effortless timeless elegance. Danny and Scott are deeply committed to provide quality skincare products. All ingredients are natural, raw and wild crafted, and each of them has a purpose that goes beyond the healing of the skin. The products are meant to create a multi-sensory experience in which you can find nurturing and rejuvenation.

Orchid Cellular Protection oil

ultimate “aging with grace” tool! There’s no other way to put it. Within 2 weeks (twice a day), my skin was radiant and healthy looking. I couldn’t stop touching my skin. Most of all, I felt like my skin was “normal” instead of “normal-to-dry”. My problem area, which is my jaw, isn’t itchy anymore, my dry spots are G-O-N-E, not diminished, completely gone! I simply love it! The brand describes this oil as the “anti-ageing hydration oil” that repairs skin at a cellular level and acts as a shield against free radical and UV damage. I can certainly confirm that the Orchid Cellular Protection oil has healed, repaired and regenerated my skin; it does all that, and more! It smells so good; a feast for the senses with a blend of neroli, jasmine, ylang ylang, vanilla and bergamot. The scent is uplifting and energizing, all the while giving me a sense of peace and stillness! Who would’ve thought a facial oil could do so much! The ingredients list is impressive with protective and regenerative Orchid extracts as well as argan, marula, and baobab oils. There’s also ximenia seed oil which has restructuring and anti-ageing effects on skin. Star ingredients also include chia seed oil for their essential fatty acid potent, as well as moisturizing cranberry seed oil, high in antioxidant. The Orchid Cellular Protection oil is perfect for all skin types, it has healing, moisturizing, regenerating and anti-ageing properties…what more do you want?! A side-kick, perhaps? Well, that can be arranged…keep on reading!

Rose Radiance Toning Mist

is AH-mazing! Just the side-kick an oil needs! This mist is a multi-tasker; a skin and body refresher, a skin-glowing potion, a makeup setter, a mood booster, name it…it does it all! Of course, I use it mostly in conjunction with the Orchid Cellular protection oil. I mist my face, neck and hair. I feel like toners are under appreciated and under rated despite their popularity. However, this toning mist is no ordinary one! It includes the organic waters of rose, elderflower and ylang ylang. There’s also vitamin C as well as pomegranate extract. You don’t have to worry about moisture loss, thanks to hyaluronic acid. As we age, we lose collagen, but this toner has marine collagen, which helps stimulate its synthesis. I keep it in the refrigerator, it wakes my skin up and I fully get the toning benefits!

Final thoughts…

I’ll be using this duo all through fall and winter, it’ll keep my skin healthy and nurtured, but will also protect it during the cold days ahead. I’m now on a mission to try their decadent Chocolate cleansing balm!

Have you tried any of the Holistic Green Beauty’s line? What are your thoughts?

Greetings Beauties!

February celebrates love and I really wanted to pay tribute to a beloved brand of mine that reminds us to honor the skin we’re in! Ladies and gents, I give you the all natural, luxurious, cult-favorite brand, MAHALO !

To me, Mahalo is a true homage to love and to life; it is a celebration of our skin and a manifestation of how we should treat it. Maryna Bundyuk, founder and creator of the brand, is such a charismatic, passionate woman who has poured her heart and soul into this brand. Her reverence for life, nature (hello beautiful bamboo packaging!) and people are deeply reflected in Mahalo.

Her brand is the result of a labor of love, it is an expression of self-love to be carried out through skincare rituals. Mahalo goes beyond skincare by spreading the inspiring and powerful message of GRATITUDE ( Mahalo means “gratitude” in Hawaiian). For that reason (and of course, for the gazillion skincare benefits), this brand is one of my go-to’s. In a world where beauty and skincare issues are considered superficial, I find it so refreshing that Mahalo sparks such a profound sentiment. I really believe in practicing gratitude every day, no matter what the circumstances. It helps me focus on the positive and move forward. So, what does gratitude have to do with beauty, you ask? I believe true beauty starts from within, with not only what we eat, but with cultivating positive thoughts, moral values and constructive behaviors.

My Mahalo Staples

Vitality Elixir Rejuvenated Serum

For maximal hydration, I layer the Vitality Elixir serum and the balm.

This serum is one of my favorites. For my dry skin, I find it has the right consistency. In the winter, I use day and night. The Vitality Elixir Rejuvenated Serum* gives me the skin I’ve always dreamed of; the “I woke up like this” skin! I even use it around my eyes. Ever since I started to use it, I’ve noticed that I need less makeup. Before using it, the skin on my lower face was very dry, rough and looked dull. After consistent use, my skin is deeply moisturized, less itchy and back to its normal state. This serum is truly a powerhouse, and if anti-aging is a concern of yours, this is what you need to try. Let’s talk ingredients, shall we? If you’re looking for high-quality ingredients, look no further. Tamanu oil is known for being restorative with anti-inflammatory benefits. Then, we have the greatest Omega 3 source in chia seeds, not to mention Sea Buckthorn oil; one of the highest source of vitamin C. Another skin superfood included in this serum is turmeric, a golden plant that treats acne and skin inflammation. The scent of the serum is a bit nutty but I don’t mind it at all. My skin drinks it, so it stays hydrated and well fed.

If you know me, you know I’m all about the balms! I have very dry skin, and the cold weather makes it worse. The Mahalo Balm* is THE moisturizing, healing balm everyone needs in their beauty cabinet, no matter what your skin type is.

It’s one of my daily essentials, the kind you need when stranded on a deserted island! It’s so multi-purpose: I use it on my face, on body scars, under my eyes, on any dry spots, on my chapped and cracked lips, in my hair, to tame my eyebrows, etc. On colder days, I’ve tried it many times under makeup, and it actually gives me dewy skin, no greasy cheeks. It protects my skin and gives me maximum moisture when I layer it over the Vitality Serum. When my skin is completely dehydrated or in need of major TLC, I’ll use it as an overnight mask (just a thin layer, don’t overdo it). I wake up with plumped and deeply moisturized skin. I find that it retains moisture, so I don’t have to re-apply moisturizer or toners during the day. In addition to turmeric, which gives it the gorgeous bright orange color, the Mahalo Balm has avocado and grapeseed butters, macadamia nut, carrot and rosehip oils. The exotic scent of lavender, geranium and Hawaiian sandalwood will make you think you’re in paradise! For me, this balm is a necessity, it does it all!

We all experience different “seasons” in our lives, right? Well, so does our skin! Is your skin oily? Than you’re in Summer. As for me, I have the driest skin, so I’m in between autumn and winter. Here are my thoughts on a beautiful seasonal skincare brand, aptly named Saison Beauty. Saison is French for “season”. Find out about your season!

The Concept of Saison Beauty

Saison Beauty’s foundation is inspired by the changing seasons of the year. The products are designed to nourish and restore skin throughout the seasons. Founder Julie Kim’s approaches to skincare is akin to the one we have with food. The products are beautifully handcrafted in small batches with the purest, freshest ingredients and plants produced during that time of the year for each season. So the fruit, plants, or nuts you would normally eat in any given season, are the ones you’ll find in the products for that particular season. Also, like food, the products are perishable (because they are natural, therefore free from preservatives), so they have to be used within a reasonable timeline.

Season Versus Skin Type

Saison Beauty’s recommendation is to choose based on the season of the moment. Julie states that the notion of “skin type” is very fluid because it changes in the course of the year. I’m inclined to agree with that; I usually have dry skin, but it changes from time to time. In the summer, I have normal or combination skin (normal skin with an oilier T-zone).

Some of you may consistently maintain the same skin type during the year or your skin may not be affected by the weather. If that is your case, Saison Beauty has a designated season for your skin type.

Every range has 3 products to be used daily; the Cleansing Oil, the Botanical Lotion Spray and the Moisturizer, and 1 product to be used weekly; the Cleansing Grains.

The 3-step regimen skincare: Autumn/Dry skin

Although the fall season is over, if you have dry skin, the Autumn range is ideal for you. I tested the line weeks into fall, just as my skin was starting to get dryer and itchy. Let me say, the products are great individually, but as a whole, the results are much more significant when you use the 4 products all together.

Autumn Cleansing Oil

Keeps your skin soft and hydrated

If you haven’t tried a cleansing oil thus far, this would be a great way to start. Cleansing oils are beneficial to all skin types. The Autumn Cleansing Oil* , a non-foaming cleanser, gently removes dirt, grime and even makeup. It doesn’t strip your natural oils and leaves your skin moisturized and fresh. I really love it, it’s in my travel bag and it has become a go-to, especially in my night routine. I make sure I massage it on my skin to let all the goodness and moisture sink in. Then I wipe with a lukewarm cloth.

Autumn Cleansing Grains

The simplest way is to use with water, but I prefer aloe vera or rose water. It makes a great foundation for a gentle exfoliation mask in which you can use the ingredient of your choice (i.e. greek yogurt, raw honey, avocado, banana, etc). These cleansing grains leave skin soft and rejuvenated. As you know, exfoliation helps all other skincare products perform better. The grains are enhanced with organic rice and milk, natural clay, and honey powders. Also, the fruit enzymes will naturally exfoliate dry and damaged skin, so that clear, healthy skin will show. That’s right, glow on, ladies…and gents!

Autumn Botanical Lotion Spray

It is made with Aloe vera water and floral waters, so it’s very soothing for the skin, refreshing and very hydrating. It brings my skin back to life while it calms the itchiness. I layer it with the Autumn moisturizer before and after. The scent is invigorating and clean, which I love. I always make sure I breathe in when I spray it on, it’s like standing in a field of lavender. The fragrance comes solely from pure essentials oils (herbal notes and lavender). This product is a great way to freshen up your skin during the day. I must say: it’s one of the few toners I can use after my makeup application, thanks to the fine, light mist evenly distributed by the mister. It is perfection! Some misters will splash all over your face, and I hate to ruin a perfect cat-eye! Kudos for the practical packaging!

Autumn Moisturizer

Use the Botanical Lotion Spray with the Moisturizer for best results.

When the colder seasons set in, my main concerns for my skin are moisture and nourishment. Saison Beauty tackles both issues with this moisturizer. The wonder oils included in this gem are so beneficial for the skin. Pumpkin oil is an amazing moisturizer; the essential fatty acids provide moisture without greasiness and regulate skin oils, which makes it great for dry and oily skins (especially if you’re acne prone). Another star included in this product is the Rice oil. Also a great moisturizer and hydrating agent, it is potent in antioxidants which protect skin against free-radical damaging UV rays. There’s also Rosehip oil and Wheat germ oil, not to mention the best of floral and plant waters. The consistency of this cream is ideal for those who want moisture without the heaviness.

Make sure you use the Botanical Lotion Spray before you apply this moisturizer, you’ll get optimal results. Because my skin is so so dry, this moisturizer alone is not enough at night or during the colder days of winter. I find myself going back and forth between this one and the Winter Moisturizer* (suited for Mature skin, it keeps my skin highly protected, nourished and moisturized). I am currently testing the Winter range, so stay tuned!

Final thought…

I believe Saison Beauty focuses on the most important thing: nourishing ingredients. Let’s not forget that skin is a living organ, so it needs to be fed in order to be healthy. I love that the products are packaged in pumps, so you get ALL of the goodness to the last drop, no waste! I also love their streamlined regimen. It’s simple, practical and yields true results. I promise, your skin will love it!

So, what season is your skin in lately? Would you pick based upon your skin type or upon the season of the year? Let me know what you think !

Greetings, beauties!

Fall is the season of change and transition. The days get shorter, the leaves start to change colors…and it gets colder! But what does that mean for your skin? Do lackluster skin, low levels of moisture and cracked lips sound familiar? Fret not, I got you covered with some great products you’ll need this season.

Undo sun damage

Best post-summer care. After all the excesses of summer (sunburns due to sun worshiping!), it’s time to get your skin into rehab and give it the nurturing it yearns for. I love using Kahina Giving Beauty‘s Kahina Giving Beauty Brightening serum*, if you give it time and are consistent with your routine, it will help fade discoloration and hyperpigmentation, which will in turn even out your skin tone. I did notice a slight change around my jaw, where it was darker. If you have acne scars, this will help you tremendously. I love the silky texture of this serum, it absorbs fast and leaves your skin feeling velvety . This argan oil based serum also protects against future environmental aggressors (thanks to the antioxidants blend) and lessens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. If you’re familiar with Kahina Giving Beauty, you know it’s a powerhouse and you can’t miss, whatever the product. This brightening serum is a hit!

Reveal new skin

‘Tis the season for pumpkins! Pumpkins have so many benefits whether you take them internally or externally. Elaa Skincare’s Pumpkin Radiance/Renewing enzyme mask* is by far one of my favorite exfoliating masks! Pumpkins are filled with enzymes and alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) that remove impurities and dead skin, which promotes skin renewal and will give you the most radiant skin. Pumpkin seed oil contains the fatty acids necessary to moisturize and protect your skin. This mask also has raw Manuka honey, perfect to heal any cracked or dry skin, irritations, burns as well as eczema and psoriasis. There’s also a plethora of spices, such as ginger, cinnamon and turmeric. If you have sensitive skin, it might tingle a bit upon first application, so proceed with caution:do a patch test before. Elaa Skincare is a an organic brand focused on raw, living and active ingredients as well as superfoods. Believe me, this mask is a treat! Everytime I use it, I’m amazed that my skin can look so radiant and glowing.

Recharge your skin

As the colder temperatures set in, my skin gets dehydrated. I generally have normal to very dry skin, so I’m always reaching for a facial oil. However, my skin also needs to be quenched. Enters Graydon Moffat and her genius brand, Clinical Luxury. If you follow my Instagram account, you know how gaga I am for this Canadian brand. I’ve reviewed the Serum, here. I’m an oil and balm hoarder, but I love this brand’s creams and lotions. They are made with the most natural ingredients that literally feed the skin. The Putty* is a great pick, if you want to transition from your summer gels and light lotions to this season’s heavier creams and facial oils. It’s the perfect balance of liquids (mainly aloe vera juice and rose water) and oils (avocado, buriti, seabuckthorn oils among others). This lotion is so soothing you’ll forget about your skin woes! The Putty is amazing for all skin types, but is ideal for sensitive/reactive skins. If you have any dermatological issue, it will help calm redness and irritation. I like the light and fluffy consistency, but it doesn’t change the fact that it’s a very moisturizing cream. When I need an extra boost of moisture in the winter, I simply add 3 drops of the Serum to the Putty, and voilà!

Butter up!

Ooooh! This body butter is a dream for your skin! I don’t know how I ever made it without it! The texture is off the charts! I’m talking about a luscious, sultry texture making your skin feel like it’s cashmere! Made of a combination of shea and cacao butters as well as jojoba and coconut oils it just melts onto your skin when you apply it, while the warm, relaxing scent comforts you. I’ve said it enough times: I have the driest skin. So, this Metta Body butter* is a godsent. It truly restores my skin’s elasticity, keeps my skin moisturized for hours on end. No more ashy skin either! With each application, my skin gets smoother and softer. I have old scars left from minor surgeries that are getting less noticeable. Even though there’s a thick consistency to this butter, it sinks quickly into my skin and leaves no greasy residue on my clothes. I’m going to use this butter all through the winter. I can’t do without it anymore!

Keep that summer glow!

Summer is over, but SO WHAT? There’s no reason for you to lose that glow, girl! Face Glow* pulls double-duty: it’s skincare with the attributes of a cosmetic product. I’ve been loving it ever since I started testing it! It’s amazing in the summer, but it also works all year. First, it is NOT a highlighter, so don’t expect that strobing effect (read: highlighter on steroids)! Face Glow is a lotion that will instantly brighten your skin and impart a nice subtle glow. Graydon uses brown mica: a free flowing lustrous powder with a shimmering copper appearance, used to reflect light, which creates a pearlescent effect on skin. Nourishing ingredients such as pumpkin, raspberry and seabuckthorn oils moisturize while giving your skin the fatty acids it needs to look fresh and young. Your skin will also be protected against the environmental elements. I really can’t say enough about this product: I use it as a primer or alone, for a fresh-faced look. I even put a bit on my decolleté. The possibilities are endless! Ladies, you need this in your handbag!

Greetings everyone!

Jill and Carly: Botanical Me

I started this Giving Back series because philanthropy is inherently part of my value system. I find it fascinating to learn about how men and women of the Green Beauty community use their platform to help those in need. Today, I want to share the mission of two humble and selfless women, who, in reality, are heroines of the modern day (they just don’t wear capes!). I’m so proud and honored to feature the work of my friends and sisters, two beautiful souls: Jill Hansey and Carly Lodkey, sisters and founders of Botanical Me.

Their brand offers natural, plant-based beauty and body care that heal, inspire and most of all, give back! Botanical Me is a beautiful range of beauty oils, pure essential oils, lip balms, and pulse-point roll-ons. In addition, the brand offers gift items such as chocolate, tea, and honey imported from Africa. Each skincare product leaves your skin protected and nourished, while your spirits are calmed and renewed. Through Botanical Me, Jill and Carly literally save lives: they have a strong partnership with Malaria No More, an organization dedicated to eradicate malaria in the world. The “ME” in Botanical Me actually has a double meaning. First, ME stands for Malaria Eradication, which is connected to their charity work to stop malaria deaths. Then, the “me” is also about a person’s journey to better health and awareness of toxins and chemicals in beauty products.

Botanical Me’s range of products.

How it all began…

Jill and Carly had already been operating their retail store in San Diego for 8 years before Botanical Me was born. One evening Jill was having a conversation about malaria with her husband, who is a native of Nigeria and a malaria survivor. She had a “light bulb” moment that she and her sister could use their business as a platform to help people.

It is wonderful! We’re honored to be a part of their charity and contribute to their life-saving work. There are so many blessings: a broader world view, greater humility, increased empathy, a feeling of being part of something bigger, meeting other cool people from all walks of life who are also inspired to make a change. Just thinking that something we have done has saved even one child’s life and given a family a healthier tomorrow is beyond words.

– Jill & Carly, founders of Botanical Me

What is malaria ?

Credits: iStock

Malaria is a blood disease caused by a mosquito bite (Plasmodium parasite) and can be transmitted from person to person. It affects the lives of over 200 million people around the world every year.

Symptoms: fever, headaches, vomiting, if treatment is not administered, illnesses such as anemia, hypoglycemia and death can occur.

Credits: MalariaNoMore.org (logo)

Child with severe malaria symptoms. Credits: Standard-Tribune.com

According to MalariaNoMore.org:

Malaria is one of the top 3 killers in the world;

Every 60 seconds, a child dies of malaria, it means 453 000 children per year, so that’s 1 300 kids who have their lives cut short every day because of a mosquito bite!

Why it also concerns you…

If you think you’re safe, and therefore think to yourself it isn’t your problem because your country isn’t a malaria risk zone, think again! This matter concerns ALL of us. In 2013, there were an estimated 198 million cases of malaria worldwide, mostly women and children. Although malaria was eliminated from the US in 1951, MNM makes a census of 1500 cases annually caused by returning travelers. Because of what we’ve been shown in the media, we often associate Africa to poverty and death. However, it is a beautiful continent, the second largest one in the world actually. Africa offers such a wide range of natural resources, some of them, such as shea butter, are included in our coveted green beauty products. It’s our duty and responsibility to protect that land and its people.

Jill in Africa

There is hope!

So, you know the bad news about malaria, it’s lethal. Now, onto the good news, malaria is not only curable, but it is a preventable disease! MalariaNoMore.org concurs that over the last decade, malaria mortality rates have fallen 58% among children under the age of 5. That’s good, but the goal is to complete eradicate malaria. Jill and Carly often travel to Africa to import natural ingredients and they donate 10% of their profits to Malaria No More. The proceeds directly impact the daily lives of those they seek to help. Here’s how…

Mosquito nets prevent from getting bitten at night. Image: Wikipedia

The funds go towards:

providing diagnostic tests;

buying medicine and treatment; did you know that a full course of malaria treatment costs only 1$ and can cure a child in 1 to 3 days?

buying mosquito nets; don’t forget that malaria is caused by a mosquito bite, and the Plasmodium parasite bites at night between 9pm and 5am, so nets are an important prevention tool;

creating education programs.

The sister duo chose to partner with MNM because this organization has focused strategy and the widespread government, media and pharmaceutical relationships in Africa that are needed.

Why helping Botanical Me is very personal to me…

I’m getting prepped for a femoral venous catheterization, before an apheresis treatment.

I was born with a genetic blood disease commonly called Sickle Cell anemia (SCA). Essentially, unlike normal round/oval red blood cells, mine are shaped like crescent moons, semicircular (hence the name “sickle”, a sickle is a tool made with a crescent-shaped blade). Normal red cells travel easily through the blood vessels to take the oxygen to every part of the body. However, my sickled cells get stuck in the blood vessels, which means the oxygen doesn’t get through. This causes a lot of deep chronic pain and it damages my bones, my muscles and my organs. Sickle cell anemia is a disease mostly diagnosed in patients of African descent.

So, what does that have to do with malaria?

While my illness can be debilitating, it confers me somewhat of a protection against malaria. How? It is very complex. Researchers are still trying to understand the mechanisms that create SCA patients’s resistance against malaria. Let’s just say that my sickled red blood cells are not “healthy” or viable enough for the parasite to implant and lodge itself in my bloodstream.

Final thought…

Every time I think about Jill and Carly, I am reminded that this life is not about my ego, but that it’s about finding my purpose and answering my higher calling. When they are not are not busy saving lives, the Botanical Me duo is learning more about the wonders of nature. Women like them make the world go round! I urge you to support their brand and their cause, your kindness will save lives. When you purchase a product from the brand, you’re taking care of yourself (at a budget-friendly price, might I add), but more importantly, you are saving a child, a woman or a man’s life. Please give back!

Until next time, take care!

Alex xo

To support MalariaNoMore, click here. Let’s defeat malaria! World Malaria Day is April 25th 2015.

Note: all information and statistics on malaria are sourced from MalariaNoMore and CDC.

Greetings beauties!

This is my first Brand Spotlight blogpost in a series of many more to come (hopefully), where I will feature brands that epitomize the very definition of Green Beauty. My first choice is, in my opinion, the essence of green beauty: Laurel Whole Plant Organics !

“As we are awakening and learning where our food comes from, this is also a time to be aware of where our skin care comes from, how its made, and what is in it. The most effective skin care is raw, organic, farm sourced, handcrafted and made with love. It’s time to raise the bar for skin care ingredients.”

The radiant Laurel Shaffer, founder of LWPO

– Laurel Shaffer, founder of Laurel Whole Plant Organics

Laurel Whole Plant Organics is a cult-favorite among bloggers, magazines’s editors, and skincare junkies everywhere… and with good reason! I have been longing to try some of the products ever since the brand was under the Sequoia Beauty banner.

From Sequoia Beauty to Laurel Whole Plant Organics…

Left: Sequoia Beauty Right: Laurel Whole Plant Organics

One of the changes from Sequoia Beauty is obviously the packaging. Personally, I much prefer the current packaging to the former one. Sequoia Beauty’s packaging was cute, but the LWPO’s package looks more sophisticated, refined, less amateur-ish. Natural beauty, sweetheart and founder Laurel Shaffer wanted a packaging that clearly reflected its content. To that I say: “Mission accomplished!” Aside from the packaging, the major shift from Sequoia is the elimination of lotions in favor of balms, which was a bold move, but a smart one! I, for one, love balms! Because I have such dry skin, I tend to gravitate towards them. I’m all about the balms!! In addition to the balms, Laurel altered most of the original formulas, taking into consideration new plant sciences and discoveries, not yet available 4 years ago, when Sequoia was created. Just recently, LWPO launched an Eye Serum. If you’re wondering what the difference is between the the Eye Balm and the Eye serum, keep in mind that both are great and can be used depending on your own skin type and skin needs. However, Laurel suggests using the Eye serum during the day and the Eye balm at night.

“Whole Plant Organics”, what does that mean?

What makes this brand unique is that Laurel strives to create 100% ‘whole plant’ organic formulas. That means the plants maintain their vibrancy, as if they were just plucked from the earth. The ingredients cannot be chemically refined in anyway, as she feel that only dulls their efficacy. She and her team only accept certified organic ingredients, as they have an average of 40% more antioxidant content. She also doesn’t use ‘natural’ ingredients that are actually synthetic, like ascorbic acid, CoQ10, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, and others… ALL of those ingredients can be found in the living plants that we use, so they prefer to formulate with that in mind.

Plants Love Science

Plants Love Science

On every Laurel WPO’s label, you’ll notice a red heart and the words “Plant”, “Love” and “Science” written below the heart. These words are Laurel’s guidelines, she translates them into 3 major aspects: Purity (Plants), Efficacy (Science) and Love. For Laurel, the purity and efficacy aspects go hand in hand; the purer the ingredient and formula, the more effective the product. Period. And the love aspect is so important! Laurel is deeply dedicated to creating a facial experience that truly transports people and takes them away. She wants us to feel loved and taken care of when using her products. Again, I say: “mission accomplished!” It may sound corny, but every time I use Laurel’s products, I feel like I just pampered my skin, as I would take care of a loved one. I feel like I matter, and when you use products that make you feel loved, you feel good about yourself. Love conquers all, right!

Laurel’s #1 Beauty tip

Laurel believes that less is more! I wholeheartedly agree with that statement! Laurel loves single ingredients such as rosewater, honey and unrefined oils. She also believes in the power of caring for our skin with love and proper skincare.

Final thought…

What attracts me to LWPO is the inherent dedication and passion to educate and inspire women to use skincare as an act of self care and of self love, not to mention that she uses the most cutting edge studies to formulate her products. I honestly trust Laurel’s integrity, so I’m confident that her products are pure and efficient. Laurel WPO is in alignment with my personal values, not to mention that the products have become essentials in my routine. I have tested many, many, many brands and products since I started blogging (and even before that!) I can assure you, Laurel WPO is one of the most comprehensive lines I’ve seen. And, something tells me it’s only the beginning!

Greetings beauties!

About Odacité…

Odacité, French for “audacity” is aptly named because it has, in a way, boldly revolutionized the norm of green beauty. When you take a look at all of Odacité’s components, you realize the brand goes way beyond the mere concepts of natural and organic. It was the devastating news of a breast cancer that led founder, Parisian, Valerie Grandury to create her own skincare line. Realizing most ingredients in mainstream personal care products are carcinogens, she took matters into her own hands and created toxins-free products for her herself. Her products had so much success with her entourage that she took things to the next level. Her cancer diagnostic was also a major wake-up call and it inspired her to completely transform her lifestyle. She became passionate about health related issues and a balanced diet focused on raw and vegan food. In addition to creating Odacité, Valérie is also one of the co-founders of the chic and best place to shop (online & brick-and-mortar, in West Hollywood and in Toronto) for luxurious green beauty products.

The Freshiency date

For Valerie, you can’t deliver efficient products if they are not fresh, which is why she came up with the “Freshiency date” protocol. That date indicates exactly how long the active ingredients will maintain their optimal potency to give your skin the expected results. Why all the fuss about fresh ingredients? Would you eat an apple you bought 6 months ago? Why do the same with skincare?! Valerie’s approach to skincare is akin to the one we have with food. Actually, if we stop and think about it, it all makes perfect sense! I cringe when I think of all the times I used products that had been sitting on a store’s shelf for months or years. Of course, conventional products contain preservatives, Odacité doesn’t use preservatives, hence the use of the “Freshiency date”. Every product is made and bottled the moment you make your order, they are not sitting on a dusty shelf. Every ingredient is fresh, raw, pure, natural and organic, when possible.

NIGHT TIME ANTIOXIDANTS REPAIR SERUM

I started testing the Night serum* right around Christmas. It was everything I expected and more!! There isn’t a drop of plain water in this luscious thirst quenching serum! I love that the first ingredient is the multi-purpose aloe vera: it’s great for acne, fights aging and has a plethora of antioxidants. Upon application, my skin felt moist and quenched. The texture is light and smooth to the touch. I felt an instant satisfaction that I don’t get when using facial oils or other oil-based serums, but I think it has to do with the fact that my skin is not only dry but also dehydrated, which is not the same. It made me reconsider the place of creams in my regimen. Although it is a night serum, I cheated and used it during the day a few times because I love it so much. However, I think we reap more benefits if we use as directed, at nights, because it’s conceived to maximize skin’s repair cycle while we sleep. It does even better if you exfoliate beforehand with Jojoba Beads Exfoliants, it allows for a deeper absorption of the serum. Within days of testing, I would wake up with plump (thank you hyaluronic acid!), smooth skin as opposed to “sand-paper” skin. I also felt that it hydrated and moisturized my skin all night long; When using this serum, I make sure I slather it everywhere on my face and neck while skin is damp (use a toner/mist). This serum is great alone but performs even better if you use one of Odacité’s skin boosters/serum concentrates depending on your skin’s needs (you’ll get a review on one of them in the coming weeks).

One of my goal for my blog is to review eco-conscious and socially responsible brands, but I also want to make sure I feature brands financially accessible to everyone. Skincare is part of wellness and all of us should have access to it. Obviously, Odacité’s products don’t come cheap. That said, in considering the price, we must recognize the source and the quality of the ingredients, the packaging, the process of the formulations and so many other factors. When I tested some of Odacité’s products, and particularly the Night repair serum, I saw and actually felt instant as well as long-term results, so I understand the reasoning behind the pricing. It all depends on your priorities and budget. Considering the fact that this serum packs the highest concentrations of nourishing and repairing ingredients, it is worth the price. I wouldn’t review it on the blog if I didn’t think so. If you’re to invest in a nighttime skincare essential and you have the means to do it, this one would be a smart choice!

Final thoughts…

This product is a five-star product because of its hydrating, nourishing and repairing ingredients, but most of all, the Nighttime Antioxidants Repair serum has given me my skin back! It has found happiness and balance again. Still not sure about the price? Well, get this: I don’t have to layer multiple products to keep my skin moisturized all night long, so I end up saving money! The important thing to remember about Odacité’s products is that they are result-oriented and, in my opinion, they deliver! I have won my battle against dry, dull-looking skin and I wake up to fresh, supple and moist skin. Thank you, Odacité!

What do you think of Odacité? What products have you tried or would like to try from the brand?